Beyond the Exterior

It is part of the human condition to seek out one’s purpose in life. I did not always know exactly what my purpose would be, but a gravitation toward nature and toward being a healer had been in me since long before I could identify it.

All things spiritual and nature-oriented were ingrained in me from an early age as I observed the way in which my parents and grandparents lived their lives, particularly the women of my family who were avid gardeners. They seemed to take such joy in working with their hands and helping to bring forth life from the earth. I eventually turned to the same, initially as an outlet for stress and anxiety. Through learning to garden, I forged deeper bonds with my family because of our shared appreciation of nature’s healing power and gained a gratitude for its many contributions in the circle of life. I can vividly recall watching with fascination as one of my grandmothers used aloe vera from her garden on her skin and in her hair – a ritual that would never leave my memory and that I would later adopt as my own. Witnessing the grounding effects of connecting with the earth led me to tap into a more spiritual energy. It also cultivated within me a vested interest in creating a synergistic wellness between mind, body and soul.

Dandelions aren't useless weeds that ruin your perfect lawn – in fact, when used as a medicinal herb, they have widespread benefits. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, and root, stem, petals, and leaves can be made into tinctures and tonics. The bitter taste can help stimulate appetite and aid in digestion, by "lighting digestive fires" in your gut. Dandelion works with kidneys and liver to detoxify, which can reduce inflammation that in turn aids everything from hormonal skin breakouts to indigestion to insulin imbalances. Dandelion tonic is a known diuretic that can be as effective and safer than prescription diuretics.
.
.
.
.
#dandelion #dandelions #medicinalherb #herbalmedicine #herb #herbs #diuretic #inflammation #detoxifyyourlife #skincare #skin #wellness #organic #holistic #organicskincare #naturalbeauty #goodskin #essentialoils #holistichealth #healthylife #facials #facial #esthetician #esthetics #beauty #sanfrancisco #potrerohill

UNUSUAL USES FOR LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OILS:
.
– Apply a drop of lavender oil to soothe chapped lips.
.
– Rub a drop of lavender oil in your palms, cup your hands, and inhale deeply to alleviate hay fever symptoms.
.
– Massage a few drops into the scalp to treat dandruff.
.
– Place a drop on the tip of the tongue or around the ears for help with motion sickness or nausea.
.
– Mix a few drops into a mixing oil (sesame, coconut) and apply to eczema rashes.
.
.
.
.
#lavender #lavenderoil #essentialoil #lavenderessentialoil #wellness #esthetician #holistichealth #naturalskincare #organicskincare #organic #skincare #sanfrancisco #potrerohill #livehealthy #healthylifestyle

YOUR SKIN MICROBIOME is the collection of microorganisms living on the surface of your skin. Like probiotics in your gut, beneficial bacteria can protect you from UV damage, infections, and can reduce inflammation. Nuture your skin microbiome:
.
– Avoid antibacterial soaps that kill both good and bad bacteria.
.
– Get Dirty, Literally! Do some gardening or go camping to get into contact with dirt that can contain soil-based organisms (SBOs) that are crucial to your microbiome.
.
– Try new probiotic skin products or make a probiotic mask out of yogurt with active cultures.
.
.
.
.
.
#microbiome #skinmicrobiome #probiotic #probiotics #bacteria #beneficialbacteria #skincare #skin #wellness #organic #holistic #organicskincare #naturalbeauty #goodskin #essentialoils #holistichealth #healthylife #facials #facial #esthetician #esthetics #beauty #sanfrancisco #potrerohill

MORNING WELLNESS, SIMPLE TIPS: Just as your body needs time to wind down for sleep in the evening, it also needs time to wind up in the morning. What do you enjoy to do daily? What makes you feel good? Try to hold off checking your email, turning on the television, answering texts until you have a quiet half hour or so to yourself. It may be meditation, sipping coffee, taking a walk – it's a personal choice. The idea is to ease into the day.
.
.
.
.
.
#morningroutine #morningritual #selfcare #meditation #wellness #organic #holistic #skincare #skin #organicskincare #naturalbeauty #goodskin #essentialoils #holistichealth #healthylife #facials #facial #esthetician #esthetics #beauty #sanfrancisco #potrerohill

Many of us have been traveling, drinking at parties, and indulging in ice cream *before* dinner during summer vacation. A great way to get back on track and simultaneously give yourself a boost during post-vacation blahs is to cook or prepare nutritious, healthy meals. Choose whole, organic foods to avoid processed ingredients and to help purge toxins. Treat yourself to the best of the season: tomatoes, stone fruits, avocados, and leafy greens.
.
.
.
.
#happyfriday #nutrition #wholefood #food #cooking #eating #healthyeating #skincare #skin #wellness #organic #holistic #organicskincare #naturalbeauty #goodskin #essentialoils #holistichealth #healthylife #facials #facial #esthetician #esthetics #beauty #sanfrancisco #potrerohill

FOUR WAYS CAMPING THIS SUMMER CAN IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH:
.
– Improved Circadian Rhythm. You tend to be away from artificial light sources while camping (so turn off your phones!), which can help reset your natural circadian rhythm, allowing you to get more sleep and your body to produce more melatonin.
.
– Really Disconnecting From Tech. Even if you're getting signal, resist temptation to pick up that device. Really connect to the beauty around you and to family and friends.
.
– Stress Relief. The quiet, the beauty, the distance from work, the fresh air all combine to reduce stress.
.
– Exercise. The lack of distraction inspires a need to go roaming. Take a hike and get your blood flowing.
.
.
.
.
#camping #summer #summercamp #circadianrhythm #hiking #nature #skincare #skin #wellness #organic #holistic #organicskincare #naturalbeauty #goodskin #essentialoils #holistichealth #healthylife #facials #facial #esthetician #esthetics #beauty #sanfrancisco #potrerohill

What is Organic Skincare? There isn't one standard definition, but it usually refers to using ingredients that are less altered and closer to nature. Your esthetician will know best what natural products can be used for exfoliation, cleansing, healing, soothing, and protection. For your organic skin care treatment, be ready to fill out a questionnaire about skincare products and medications you use, and decide whether your visit will be only for enjoyment, or for addressing a specific skincare problem.
.
.
.
.
#skincare #skin #wellness #organic #holistic #organicskincare #naturalskincare #naturalbeauty #goodskin #essentialoils #holistichealth #healthylife #facials #facial #esthetician #esthetics #beauty #sanfrancisco #potrerohill

With a Bay Area heatwave coming up this weekend, it's time to go over sun skincare facts. There is no good reason to skip applying a sunscreen. Enjoy the beach and be safe!
.
- Try a combined moisturizer/SPF sunscreen if layering products discourages you from using sunscreen.
.
- Just because you tan easily doesn't mean you can skip the SPF. Even darker skin is vulnerable to skin damage and cancer.
.
- There are products with sunscreen for *every* skin type. Use a moisturizer with SPF for oily skin, a serum or a matte formula for very oily skin, or a mineral non-chemical type for sensitive skin.
.
- Sunglasses with UV protection and a wide-brimmed hat are also important for protecting you on long summer days.
.
.
.
.
#suncare #summer #summerskincare #summerskin #sunscreen #beach #skincare #skin #wellness #organic #holistic #organicskincare #naturalbeauty #goodskin #essentialoils #holistichealth #healthylife #facials #facial #esthetician #esthetics #beauty #sanfrancisco #potrerohill

Aloe Vera has been used for treating skin ailments for thousands of years. The plant's gel contains salicylic acid and magnesium, which work synergistically to create a powerful pain-relieving effect. It can be used to soothe burns, rashes, wounds, various skin disorders, and even frostbite. If you grow your own aloe plant, harvest by cutting a leaf at the base, slicing it open, and scraping out the gel with a tablespoon. It can be kept in the refrigerator for a few weeks. Adding 500 IUs of vitamin C per cup can prolong freshness.
.
.
.
.
#aloe #aloevera #naturalremedy #sustainability #sustainableskincare #skincare #skin #wellness #organic #holistic #organicskincare #naturalbeauty #goodskin #essentialoils #holistichealth #healthylife #facials #facial #esthetician #esthetics #beauty #sanfrancisco #potrerohill

Summary Block

This is example content. Double-click here and select a page to feature its content.
Learn more